Memorial held for Concordia victims

By
Euronews

Families and friends of the victims of the Costa Concordia disaster are returning to Giglio in Italy for the six month anniversary of the sinking.

More than 30 people died when the Costa Concordia ran aground on January 13th.

Salvage teams are working around the clock to remove a large rock that’s wedged in the hull of the Italian cruise ship.

It needs to be cleared away before the ship can be tilted upright and eventually moved.

Part of the rock is expected to be used as a memorial for the people who died.

The Mayor of Giglio, Sergio Ortelli said: “In order to remove this rock, we have to break it in three parts and widen the hole around it. So, we are facing some small problems and it’s taking a while but very soon we will give the rock to the island.”

The ship’s captain, Francesco Schettino, was charged with multiple manslaughter, causing the accident and abandoning his ship shortly after the incident. He has now been freed from house arrest.

In his first television interview since the accident in January, Schettino acknowledged responsibility and blamed himself for the disaster.

Meanwhile the stricken vessel has become a tourist attraction with hundreds booking boat tours to get photo souvenirs.